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Forum Discussion
MacBook only connecting to 2.4GHz
Hello all, I have a RBR850 router and two RBS850 satellites. The second satellite was added a few weeks ago, and since then (but it might be unrelated) my macbook stopped connecting to the 5GHz WIFI and only connects to 2.4 GHz.
When the Mac goes to sleep and comes back, I always have to refresh the connection (disconnect/reconnect)
On the mac, I have tried every single suggestion available:
- Forgetting network and adding it again;
- Deleting WI-FI service and re-adding it;
- Removing configuration files.
On the Orbi system I tried to:
- Reduce power output of 2.4GHz channel;
- Lock the channels of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels;
- Disable 20/40 MHz Coexistence.
On the same room I have different devices that connects to the 5Ghz WIFI such as my mobile and my PS5.
Posting this here in the hopes that maybe anyone has solved a similar issue.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Felipe
4 Replies
What model# year Mac Book do you have? -- Apple M4 Max
What OSX version is loaded on the laptop? -- macOS Tahoe 26.3.1
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home: -- Did it, no difference
What Firmware version is currently loaded? -- V 7.2.8.2
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? -- Sagemcom F3896LG-ZG
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR? No
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? -- 1496,18 (138 sq meter)
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? -- more or less 20 foot
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? -- never tried
What channel configurations are currently set on the router? -- it was auto for 2.4 GHz and 44 for 5GHz, then I played around setting values for the channels but made no difference.
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home: -- Did it, no difference
What Firmware version is currently loaded? -- V 7.2.8.2Might update FW to v.5:
New - Orbi RBK750/850/860/960 Series Firmware Version 7.2.8.5 Released | NETGEAR Communities
If you do, update the RBS first then RBR lastly.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? -- Sagemcom F3896LG-ZGYour ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router.
Static IP Address Configuration for AP Mode | NETGEAR Communities
https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-pointand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Try option #2 first...
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR? No
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? -- 1496,18 (138 sq meter)
For that size of home, the RBR would be enough. Maybe one RBS deployed at 30 feet or more.
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? -- more or less 20 foot
Thats too close. 30 feet distance is starting distance between the RBR and each RBS.Turn OFF the RBS and test. Then try with just 1 RBS out at 30 feet.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? -- never tried
What channel configurations are currently set on the router? -- it was auto for 2.4 GHz and 44 for 5GHz, then I played around setting values for the channels but made no difference.Try channel 1 and 40 or 11 and 48
What model# year Mac Book do you have?
What OSX version is loaded on the laptop?
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
NETGEAR Mobile Applications and Android/Apple/Windows Devices FAQ | NETGEAR Communities
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 🛰
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
Hello all, I have a RBR850 router and two RBS850 satellites. The second satellite was added a few weeks ago, and since then (but it might be unrelated) my macbook stopped connecting to the 5GHz WIFI and only connects to 2.4 GHz.
When the Mac goes to sleep and comes back, I always have to refresh the connection (disconnect/reconnect)
On the mac, I have tried every single suggestion available:
- Forgetting network and adding it again;
- Deleting WI-FI service and re-adding it;
- Removing configuration files.
On the Orbi system I tried to:
- Reduce power output of 2.4GHz channel;
- Lock the channels of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels;
- Disable 20/40 MHz Coexistence.
On the same room I have different devices that connects to the 5Ghz WIFI such as my mobile and my PS5.Hello all, I have a RBR850 router and two RBS850 satellites. The second satellite was added a few weeks ago, and since then (but it might be unrelated) my macbook stopped connecting to the 5GHz WIFI and only connects to 2.4 GHz.
Try turning off the new satellite, and see if that makes any difference.
